So we tried the whole "staycation" thing. And it was fun, at first...but when our company couldn't come due to medical issues (on the mend, thank goodness) I needed to abort the staycation STAT and get the heck outta dodge. Leaving a getaway to the last minute on a long weekend is not the best course of action when you need a break, but we lucked out with a family resort less than a 2-hour drive from our door. Enter - The Delawana Inn, in Honey Harbour, Ontario.
Our last experience with Georgian Bay was a private cottage rental near Lion's Head - where the water was stunning, and stunningly cold. But in Honey Harbour the temperature of the water was actually warmer than the pool and much more fun due to the awesome water toys (water trampoline, anyone?)
The Delawana Inn is an all-inclusive family resort that offers full-day camping programs for kids from pre-school to teen, as well as daycare for younger tots. Since we were only doing 2 nights, and it was a last minute adventure, we went for the Bed & Breakfast option which worked out well. We've done private cottage rentals a few times (but not since the kiddos) and would have done the same again, but it was a nice break since there was no work involved - linens, dishes, cooking, etc.
We had a 2-room suite, which was an upgrade - 2 bedrooms joined by a closet and a bathroom in the middle. Everything had a real cottage-y feel but was spacious and clean. My hope of sleeping with the windows open letting in the fresh night air was kyboshed, however, by the little bugs able to fit through the screens. Upon checking in, I requested a cot for the baby and literally 5 minutes after finding our room it arrived (practically a brand-new playpen) and it was set-up in seconds (should have had my husband watch and take pointers!)
The grounds are lovely - lots of trees and foliage admist the rocks. It's a bit tricky with a stroller, so definetely have a a back-up mode of baby transportation. We were happy to have our wheels for the 2 minute (literally) walk to 'town' - a liquor store (it closes at 6!), grocery store/snack bar (dinner for 3 for $20), and a great little ice cream/surf shop. We made great use of the fantastic playground, the mini-putt, and pretty much spent our whole full day at the beach. With a slow, sandy incline into the water, there's plenty of fun water structures to play on (with Dad's help of course). They have toddler-sized life jackets, sand toys and beach towels - so you can pack a little lighter.
The B&B worked well for us - the breakfast buffet is large and features your usual supects; fruit (fresh & tinned), cereals, breads & pastries, eggs, sausages, bacon - the works. Both mornings we also had variations on Eggs Benny (yum) and the decaf was good (for me this is important!). One meal we bought at the Mackinaw Pub on the Delawana grounds - really good food and reasonably priced. Our second dinner was the aforementioned snack bar in town. Yes our meal was only $20 for the three of us but our arteries are slightly harder as a result. Really tasty but not what you would want to indulge in often. The grocery store was great for snacks and lunch stuff - stored in the mini-fridge in the room.
The Delawana provided just the mini-break we needed, but our quickie stay is clearly not the norm there. Most families seem to stay at least a week and make their trip an annual one. You know it was a good break when it feels like you've been gone longer when you get home.
Corinne McDermott is the founder of Have Baby Will Travel - your online guide to travelling with babies and toddlers.
